Voltage limiting my Overclock?

Everytime I read about overclocking they always say "overclock until you get artifacts or it gets to hot". I don't get any artifacts and after 3 hours of gaming and it is only 70C. Everytime I overclock my 8600m GT past 600/1200/500 the display driver crashes or BSOD with the nVidia display driver .sys file listed. SO am I correct in thinking that the 8600m GTs voltage is to blame?

It does this on Vista and Windows 7. Also I have tried various other drivers ranging between versions 160 - 190.

 

Graphics cards have limits sometimes you just can't overclock any further. Overvolting laptop gpu's will severely decrease the lifespan time to overclock your cpu if you want more performance.

 

I understand what your saying but... is that a yes to my question? Also the temps stay around 65-66C not 70C

 

It's impossible to know if voltage is the limiting factor without some scientific tests, but yes theoretically the voltage of a given CPU/GPU is a limiting factor in just how much you can overclock.

 

I can tell you from experience, that kind of instability is probably the result of insufficient voltage.

Here's what I suggest: Overvolt a small amount (10% shouldnt hurt, actually, I've never heard of the overvolt itself actually damaging the card, just heat). See if the BSOD goes away. If your temps are that good, I would push harder.

I have an extra 8600m GT lying around...If I had the time, I'd throw it in, and see how far I can push it..

Oh, and PS: Memory doesn't work like a core. After a certain frequency, it will just be unstable, and no amount of voltage will help. Try increasing the memory and core speeds one at a time, that way you know where the problem is.